Vanderbilt defensive back Elijah Hamilton (15) and defensive back Tae Daley (12) head onto the field before an NCAA football game between Vanderbilt and Georgia at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017.(Photo: Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason is developing partnerships with historically black colleges and universities to create more opportunities for games between the programs.
Autumn Allison/USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

Coach Derek Mason and the Vanderbilt Commodores open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 at Middle Tennessee State. The Commodores (6-7) are coming off their eighth all-time bowl game appearance.
Dave Ammenheuser